My message to leaders at Davos...

This week, I'm in the mountains of Switzerland, speaking alongside some of the most influential leaders of industry and government, at the World Economic Forum.  

The theme of Davos 2019 is Globalization 4.0, a term for global shifts and how the Fourth Industrial Revolution is affecting everything from the economy to the environment. You might wonder how this topic relates to girls and women. In short, a lot. 

In an era of rapidly changing economies – clean energy, cryptocurrencies, and emerging markets – countries are missing out on a smart and simple solution, with a massive return on investment: women.

Gender equality is the right thing to strive for, and if we don't, it will cost us. The World Bank estimates that nations leave $160 trillion on the table each year by keeping women from fully participating in national economies. Several factors drive these losses: women participate at lower rates in the labor force, work fewer hours, and are generally paid less than men.

This problem will not solve itself. That's why I'm in Davos, speaking up for our community of gender equality advocates, and the women (and men) around the world who stand to gain if we accelerate the right kind of investments. It's time for a strong gender lens. It's time to apply solutions to how we build a more gender equal economy and world. And from what Globalization 4.0 is telling us, time is of the essence. 

Read my three pieces of advice to world leaders at Thomson Reuters.